Through trying out as many different restaurants as I can, I think I've finally found my favorite. The cozy atmosphere, the exceptionally kind married couple who run the store and the delicious menu items all keep me coming back. It's a cute little dine-in place, about a two-minute walk from campus. Out of all the delicious restaurants I've tried in Japan, this one sticks out the most. My friends are always getting their katsu curry, which is a fried meat cutlet covered in Japanese curry and served with rice, but I can't bring myself to order anything other than their ramen.
The food that I tried was miso ramen. Although ramen might be one of the least adventurous foods in Japan because of how popular it is worldwide, this ramen puts every other version I’ve ever had to shame.
When I first tried it, I realized that everything I'd known about ramen was wrong. In America, our idea of ramen is likely shaped by Top Ramen, the kind that comes in cheap packets or cups. Though those are fun and tasty in their own way, this ramen was something completely different. The broth was rich and savory, the noodles were springy and fresh and the toppings, like green onions and slow-cooked pork, melted in my mouth. It was warm, comforting and full of flavor.
